The Authority, Character, and Work of a Gospel
Minister, in the CHURCH of CHRIST,
opened up.

ASERMON,Preached at the Ordination of Mr. JOHN
MMILLAN,junior, at Stirling, on the 11th of March,
1778.

By the ReverendMR. JOHN MMILLAN, Senior,Minister of the Gospel, at Sandhills, near Glasgow.

FALKIRK:

Printed by DANIEL REID, and sold by him and other Booksellers,

M,DCC,LXXIX.

SERMON.

MATTHEW xxv.
45.

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom
his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season.

THOUGH not one word were to be spoken
on the subject, the text itself may be a weighty sermon to every gospel
minister, as setting forth his station, office, and work. I need not spend
time in looking into the occasion of these words: from the suddenness of
his coming to judgment, and the uncertainty we are under about the time
of it, our Lord Jesus Christ recommends watchfulness as the beast expedient,
to prevent the danger of a surprize, and while he speaks to all and each
individual in their several places, he declares that in the just extent
of his discourse, a particular application is to be made to apostles, and
gospel ministers as such. Every person as a servant has to give his account,
but church officers, gospel ministers as such, are eminently servants in
the household of Christ, and therefore they have the greatest account to
give. Their charge is the greatest; their Lord has made them rulers over
his household, not as Lords to exercise dominion; but as servants
to make provision: They are guides and servants to serve them in the things
of Christ and salvation, not masters to prescribe laws and ordinances.
And, how hard to execute this charge well! to be both faithful and wise
in all ministrations, and exemplary in walk! therefore, the text is expressed
in way of question, Christ has few such servants; though {40} through grace
there may be some.In the text observe

The relation and office of a gospel minister to Christ, and
in his church, he is a servant, a ruler.

His qualifications, faithful and wise.

His work and duty, to give them their food in due season.

The authority by which every minister acts in the discharge
of his service, whom his Lord hath made.

DOCTRINE.

Gospel ministers are furnished and authorized
by the Lord Jesus Christ as Head of the church, to the exercise of all
that charge and duty, which they are called to in his household and family.Without
confining myself strictly to the metaphorical expressions used in the text,
I shall treat of the following particulars.

I must, indeed, acknowledge in the entry, that, although
the separating of men to the ministerial office be ordinary in the church
of Christ, yet, the {41} occasion and circumstances of this days work
are, in several respects, somewhat singular; and which, perhaps, have hardly
a parallel; for the discharge of which, my brethren could not have laid
the appointment upon any of their number more unfit; but while I desire
to be sensible of my own insufficiency, and that I am called to speak before
some who are, by much, my betters; I desire likewise to be sensible,
I speak before God, a consideration infinitely more weighty! If therefore,
I shall only speak the words of truth and soberness, no apology to man
is needful, and if I do not so, none can be sufficient, so begging divine
assistance, I shall proceed, without bespeaking any excuse for my freedom,
though, I know, I shall need it very much for my weakness.

I now return to the first particular
which was, to speak a word of the household of Christ, or his church
wherein ministers serve and rule. The church is the house or household
of Christ, it is often so called, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest
know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is
the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." [1 Tim.
3.15.] "Now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" [Eph. 2.19.], It
is Christs family, and is either visible, consisting of all that
make a visible credible profession of the faith, joined with a gospel conversation;
or invisible, consisting of real believers, true members of Christ,
"Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the
Lord knoweth them that are his; and let every one that nameth the name
of Christ depart from iniquity." [2 Tim. 2.19.]And it is designed a household,
house or family, generally, in regard that {42} whatever things
are requisite to the constituting of a house, household or family, do all
concur in the church of Christ. There are in it a foundation, materials,
and an orderly framing of the whole. "And are built upon the foundation
of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone:
in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth into an holy temple
in the Lord: in whom you also are builded together, for an habitation of
God through the Spirit." [Eph. 2.20-22.] Here observe the foundation of
this house and family, the Lord Jesus Christ: as the first Adam was the
foundation of the family of mankind; so Jesus Christ the second Adam, is
the foundation of Gods spiritual family the church. "For other foundation
can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," [1 Cor. 3.11.],
that which Paul laid ministerially, God himself laid primarily and efficiently,
"Behold I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone, a tried stone." [Isa.
28.16.] This is no other but the rock on which the church is built, which
makes it impregnable to the gates of hell. Christ is the stone which the
builders rejected, but made of Jehovah the head of the corner, [Psalm 117.22.],
He is the lowest to bear up the weight, and the highest to couple the whole
household together. And as in a foundation, so there are three things eminently
remarkable in the Lord Jesus Christ, in relation to this household:

First, He is first laid in this holy fabrick, and
that in respect of Gods eternal purpose. He decreed him the preeminence
in this as in all other things, He is therefore the first-born among many
brethren, the residue of this family being predestinated to be made conformable
to him. (2.) In respect of outward manifestation; {43} God first declared
him before he formed one member of his household, The seed of the woman
shall bruise the serpents head, [Gen. 3.15.]; then was the Lamb slain,
presently after the foundation of the world. (3.) Because in order of nature,
Christ must be first formed in the heart of every individual person before
he is a part of this household. If Christ be not in us, we are all together
useless, and must at last be rejected. (4.) In respect of every particular
congregation of the church and little sanctuary of mount Zion. If Christ
be not placed as the foundation of such congregations, they will prove
to be pinnacles of Babylon, not towers of Zion, therefore, the saints of
old, first gave themselves up to the Lord, and then to one another, by
the will of God. [2 Cor. 8.5.]

Second, As a foundation is hid and out of view;
so the Lord Jesus Christ the foundation of this household, is not perceived
by the men of the world, though the whole strength of the household rests
upon him; men viewing the church, may regard it as a beautiful family,
but cannot imagine how it should subsist: A few supporters it seems to
have in the world, that make some shew of upholding it: A few faithful
gospel ministers, and here and there some godly zealous Christians, and
thinks the world, could we but take away these, the whole would quickly
come to ruin. Thus they encourage themselves to the work of laying waste
Christs household, never reflecting on the hid rock, which continually
communicates strength and permanency to every part of it, and against which
they dash themselves all to pieces.

Third, As the foundation bears up the whole weight,
what part soever is not directly poised upon it hath no strength at all,
so let a sinner be hewed and {44} squared by the word and ordinances, into
outward conformity ever so exactly, that he appears one of the most beautiful
saints in the world; yet, if he be not rightly laid by faith in Christ,
to derive from him strength, support, and vigour, he will quickly come
to nothing; what then shall become of their work, who gather together
and heap up all sorts of rubbish, to erect a household unto the Lord?but
further, the apostle describes this household the invisible church, in
the materials or members thereof, viz. elect believers, said to
be fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God, they
alone are united to Christ, in virtue of which they derive life from him,
and grow into an holy temple to the Lord. Growth from an inward principle
is a sign of life spiritual, a life whose fullness is in Christ. He hath
life in himself [John 5.26,] and gives it to whomsoever he will. [John
10.10.] There is not one dead rotten member in all this household. However
some such, by the advantage of their outward appearance, may crowd in;
yet they are not of the family itself. Finally, there is observable the
orderly framing of this household, instrumentally, by the prophets
and apostles, and in succession by a standing gospel ministry to the end
of time: Efficiently, by the Holy Spirit, the principal and great
agent, in this work, we are framed to an habitation of God by the Spirit,
by him all the parts of this household are fitly framed together, closely
knit to one another, sweetly jointed and closed together with Christ the
Head, from which all the body by joints and bands, having nourishment
ministered and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. [Col.
2.19.] But more particularly, the church is designed a household.

First, Because, as that is a distinguished separate
society, {45} so the church are a people separate from the rest of the
world, a people that dwell alone, [Num. 23.9.] the people shall dwell
alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations; they are separate
in their spirit, principle and practice, and are not conformed to the world,
and a thousand pities it is, that in our day, the world and the church
should be so much like to one another, and confounded together, as is charged
against the church, but were mingled among the Heathen, and learned their
works. [Psalm 106.35.]

Second, As in a household there is a diversity
among persons, in their spirits, ages, relations, strength, and work; so
in the visible church, there is a mixture of good and bad, true Christians
and hypocrites, though when any declare themselves ungodly and unsound,
and will not be reclaimed, the church is to turn them out, by the regular
execution of the censures of Christs institution: and then there are little
children, young men, and fathers. [1 John 2.12-14.] There are weak and
strong Christians, some that need to be led and carried, and teachers and
taught.

Third, As in a household every one in it is privy
to what concerns the whole family; though many things transacted therein
ought not to be divulged to others. So, in the church, each member is acquainted
with what concerns the whole church; yet, many things so particularly relate
to the family, that it is an evil to make them known to those who are without
and enemies: in which as well as in other respects, the church is said
to be a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

Fourth, A household is, or ought to be well governed,
this was what filled the Queen of Sheba with admiration, when she saw the
regularity of Solomons house. [1 Kings 10.4,5.] The order and regularity
of the church {46} is a great honour to it: In this respect, Solomon and
his family were a type of Christ and his church, what is any society without
rule and good government? strict discipline must be maintained in Christs
family, this beautifies the church, this is what Christ has ordained in
all his churches; and however it is a mournful thing, that anarchy and
confusion often take place in Christs church, as it is under the direction
of men; yet there is nothing but beauty and order therein according to
the law of his house. And it is ground of comfort to the mourners in Zion,
that the churchs Head will overrule all events in a subserviency to his
own glory, for the good and consolation of his family, every member should
know his own place and behave himself accordingly in the house of God.
[1 Tim. 3.15.] Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves,
&c. [Heb. 13.17.] All, both officers and members have their proper
work, and must attend to that.

Fifth, In a religious household spiritual devotion
is duly performed, and every one conscientiously waits on it, the contrary
is the brand of Heathens, Pour out thy fury upon the Heathen that know
thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name. [Jer. 10.25.]
The church is the chief place of public worship, where all the ordinances
are duly administered, hence, God is said to shine out of Zion the perfection
of beauty, and to love the gates of Zion, therefore let none forsake the
assembling of themselves together.

Sixth, A household is closely joined together,
the church is a most firm, compact, united body, they are one with Christ
the Head, they are of one spirit among themselves united in truth, love,
and gospel perfection flowing from Christ as being united to him, and without
{47} this, all other unity is but confusion in the sight of God. All the
saints should live in perfect peace, and sweet concord together as children
of the same father, and heirs of the same kingdom, Endeavouring to keep
the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. [Eph. 4.3.] The church is
never more comely than when the love of each doth abound towards one another,
and when there is a defect of this, (as alas! how little of it now is to
be found?) it is so far a corruption from the just character of a true
church of Christ.

Seventh, Some households, particularly those of
princes, are very great and make a splendid appearance: Tho the church
of Christ be but a little flock, compared with the great heard,
the gross of mankind; yet, they are very numerous, a great multitude, After
this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could numberstood
before the throne, and before the Lamb. [Rev. 7.9.] This whole family,
the universal church, is very large, Of whom the whole family in heaven
and earth is named. [Eph. 3.15.] The church is a very glorious household,
(1.) In respect of inward glory brought to it from God, in the face of
Jesus Christ, it becomes beautiful through the comeliness that he puts
upon it, Hence says Christ, how pleasant, and how fair art thou, O love,
for delights! Thou art fair, my love, there is no spot in thee, [Canticles
7.6 & 4.7,] for Christ being the branch of the Lord and fruit of the
earth, is made beauty and glory, excellency and comeliness unto the church.
It hath the beauty and glory of justification, even the robe of righteousness,
and the beauty and glory of sanctification, so is all glorious within.
Christ is to his church a head of Gold. [Cant. 5.11.] (2.) As to its outward
structure, which it eminently hath in all the particular assemblies thereof,
The new Jerusalem, the church, {48} is said to be of pure gold, the building
of the wall of jasper, and the foundation of the wall garnished with all
manner of precious stones. [Rev. 21.18.] This is the glory of the ordinances
of the gospel in their vigour and purity, Christ reigning in the administration
of his ordinances, called the beauties of holiness and the goings of
our God and King in the sanctuary. [Psalm 68.12.] (3.) As to the exaltation
of this household above, and triumph over all its opposers: to see a household
emblazoned with ensigns, spoils, and banners taken from the enemy that
have come against it, is indeed glorious, but thus is the church of God
decked, Kings of armies did flee apace, and they that tarried at home,
the mother of the family, and they that tarried at home divided the spoil.
[Psalm 60.12.] She that tarries at home, the mother of the family, the
church hath all the spoils, it is affirmed, that not only every one that
opposeth, but all that do not serve the church shall be utterly destroyed.
Here you have hung up the garments rolled in blood, of all that ever came
against this household, and there is yet a place reserved for the remaining
spoils of the great whore, when she shall be burned, made naked and desolate;
never any rose, and never shall any arise against this family, and go on
to final prosperity. [Isa. 54.17.]

Eight, Some households are in a dangerous situation
yet preserved: Christs lower family is always surrounded with enemies
on all hands; there is the roaring lion of hell, that lies betwixt them
and heaven; there are seducing hereitcks, that regard not Christ the Head;
and the powers of the earth combined against Christ and his family. They
are in danger from ourselves if not faithful, in danger from the world
and indwelling sin. It has been so, and likely will be so, until they are
all brought to heaven; yet notwithstanding, the church is a household that
is in a very safe {49} condition, and never can be brought to ruin: for,
as the text speaks, it is Christs; it is his property, and therefore strong;
[Matth. 16.18.] my church: he is the owner of it; [Heb. 3.6.] But Christ,
as a Son, over his own house: he hath a good right and title to it, by
donation from his Father; by inheritance he obtains this excellent name
to be LORD of this family; and he hath a promise to
enjoy his whole inheritance, Ask of me, and I will give Thee the Heathen
for thine inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession
[Psalm 2.4.]: by purchase, he paid the great price of his dearest blood
for it [Acts 20.28.]; also by conquest, he hath conquered the unjust usurper
that had taken possession of his family, and brought it into bondage [1
John 3.8.]: for this purpose the SON of GOD
was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. He overpowers,
spoils, and triumphs over the enemy; and, having taken possession
thereof, he fills up every endearing relation to his household.Particularly,
Christ is the Father of this family; they are all begotten again to a lively
hope, by the resurrection of CHRIST; and, therefore,
he is the Great Provisor for his church, and every soul that belongs to
him: But my God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in
glory, by Christ Jesus. [Phil. 4.19.]He is the builder of his household.
[Heb. 3.3,4.] The church is a more glorious workmanship than heaven and
earth, a fabric fit for no workman but Christ; and it receives a twofold
building from him, both spiritual, of all the members into one living
body, and ecclesiastical, into several distinct assemblies, and
dwelling places of mount Zion, God setteth the solitary {50} in families
[Psalm 68.6.]; yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh
him families like a flock [Psalm 107.41.]:He is the repairer of his household,
and all the breaches thereof: saints may weep for the church, but CHRIST
must repair the desolations thereof, Even HE shall
build the temple of the LORD, and he shall bear the
glory, [Zech. 6.13.], When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear
in his glory. [Psalm 102.16.]He is the Great Watchman and keeper of this
family; there are subordinate keepers for the use of the household, I
have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, &c. [Isa. 62.6,7.]
but CHRIST is that HOLY ONE,
and GREAT WATCHER, to see what
his family wants [lacks]; and that the son of violence draw not
nigh to it; or, if he does, to require it at his hand, that he may devour
no more;and so He is also the great avenger of all the wrongs and injuries
done to it, All that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them,
saith the LORD. [Jer. 2.3.]He is the indweller of
this household, He hath framed the church to be an habitation for himself,
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell, for I have desired it. [Psalm
132.13,14.] He dwells therein by his Spirit, graces, and ordinances. Finally,
HE is the Great Governor thereof; it is his prerogative
alone to give laws to his family; he is the One-Lawgiver, the government
is upon his shoulders, and HEalone has a right
to establish the order of his household, and appoint all officers for the
service of it:But this brings me to the {51}

Second Head, To speak of ministers,
their being made rulers in Christs Household.And here, first,
a word as to their constitution.And, second, of their authority.

First, I am to take notice of the constitution
of gospel ministers.The LORD CHRIST, as Head of the church, hath appointed,
That there shall be officers in all the churches: there is an institution
of offices and officers, as well as of ordinances: it is
in no mans power to institute the one more than the other; and the neglect
of the one is a neglect of the institution, and so of the authority of
Christ, as well as of the other.Here observe,

First, It is CHRISTs prerogative
to appoint servants and rulers in his family, whom his LORD
hath made ruler, and Son of man, I have made thee a watchman [Ezek.
3.17.];they may not make themselves, nor may others, without CHRISTs
commission;it is HE who calls, and sends them
out to their work, All power is given unto me; Go ye, therefore, and teach,
[Matth. 28.18,19.] And he gave, some apostles, &c. [Eph. 4.11.];it
is stated as one of his ascension-gifts; he not only gave the gifts, which
qualify for the work, but the officers themselves:ministers are to be
regarded as a special gift of Christ; as a special fruit of his taking
possession of the kingdom, when he sat down at his Fathers right-hand:
And GOD hath set some in the church, [1 Cor. 12.28.];
the words note a constitution, a firm establishment, that cannot
be changed: and, though they were all given for one common end, the gathering
and perfecting of the saints; yet some were but temporary, others to abide
to the end of the world, until the {52} whole mystical body of Christ is
gathered and perfected: therefore none may come into rule in Christs family,
except called. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that
is called of God, as was Aaron, [Heb. 5.4.]; if they do, they will not
prove either good servants or rulers. Christ is the only Author and Instituter
of all offices and officer-bearers in his house: the GREAT
LORD that appoints who shall be in his stead. Whatever any think of a gospel-minister,
he is such a creature as all the angels in heaven, and men on earth
cannot make: no set of men may make officers in Christs church, more than
they may institute new ordinances.

Second, Christ qualifies and furnishes men with
spiritual gifts for the exercise of their work; this he does by the special
agency of the Holy Ghost: therefore HE also is said
to have made them overseers, Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock
over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers. [Acts 20.28.]The SPIRIT,
in the mediatory kingdom, is, as it were, a prorex, to rule for Christ;
hence, before the throne there are seven lamps of fire, i.e. the
seven spirits of GOD. [Rev. 4.5.] The SPIRIT,
in the perfection of all his gifts and graces: he gifts and qualifies men
for this work, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man
to profit withal. [1 Cor. 12.8-11.] Before Bezaleel and Aholiab did set
about the work of the tabernacle, they were filled by the Spirit of GOD,
with all wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, in all manner of workmanship.In
the like manner, the spiritual mediatory kingdom, being now in the hand
of the Spirit; {53} and he knowing what manner of work he hath to accomplish,
doth gift men for the respective work in which he will employ them; he
influences and bends their minds to the office; he endows them with knowledge,
wisdom, and discretion; he touches their lips with a live-coal from his
altar, and gives them the tongue of the learned. Their gifts of praying
and preaching are both from him; by the one, they are GODs
mouth to the people; and by the other, the peoples mouth to GOD.

Third, The Lord Jesus Christ has lodged a power
in the church, to call his servants, Gospel Ministers, to the exercise
of the ministry. When one is duly gifted and qualified, there is ground,
from the furniture of the person, to apprehend, that the LORD
hath done it, in order that he may employ him in his service; yet, it is
not enough for any one to say, I am gifted, and therefore I will employ
myself: for the body is before the ministry, the body that Christ hath
purchased with his blood, and this trust he hath put into their hands;
by his SPIRIT he stirs up the hearts of the church
to choose and call forth whom he hath qualified and appointed to the ministry
over them. The drawing out of the spirits of men, in that way the LORD
would have them, is a special work of the Spirit of GOD;
and therefore it is said, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,
[Zech. 4.6.]; that is, by his Spirit working on the spirits of men, both
on instruments and opposites, raising and elevating the one, and subduing
the other; so that the Spirit of God inclining and over-ruling the spirits
of men in such a work, is an evident testimony of a call to the work from
the Spirit. This power and trust therefore, Christ hath lodged in the hands
of the church, which he hath purchased. We find in the Acts {54} of the
apostles, that the choice of officers in his household is committed to
the people: it were good that men, that the powers of the earth, would
treat the church as the apostles did. It is strange! that any set of men,
of ministers, should ever attempt to take this power from Christs family.
In all free corporations every member has his vote. The church is a spiritual
incorporation, and every member therein has a right to vote in calling
their spiritual guides, and this right cannot be transferred to others:
it is most affronting to GOD, and pernicious to the
church, to transfer it to a patron as called, or to any other, under
whatever denomination.

Fourth, CHRIST clears up his
servants call to them, not only by bestowing gifts on them, but by opening
a door in his providence, and giving them the call of the church; so that,
where a serious and intelligent people center on one to be their minister,
it may, without force, be constructed the motion of the Holy Ghost, and
that such an one receives his ministry from Christ, who, as he employs
in his service, also fits for it. The following things may serve in a great
measure to satisfy ones mind, that Christ hath called them.When the heart
is filled with a single desire after the great end of the ministry, the
glory of GOD and the salvation of soulsWhen there
hath been a conscientious diligence, in using all the ordinary means of
attaining fitness for this great work.When a competent fitness for the
work is attained; for Christ sends none a warfare on their own charges,
whomsoever he calls, he qualifies and gives talents for every piece of
the service; and of this the church is to be the judge.When the savour
of a mans ministry is left on the hearts and consciences of others: all
these united, may help to clear up a call to be from CHRIST.
{55}

Fifth, There is a separating and setting apart
of the person called, to the service of the SON of
GOD in the glorious gospel, a sanction and
establishment
from the Holy Ghost upon him; and that, by the laying on of the hands of
the presbytery, with fasting and prayer, Neglect not the gift that is
in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands
of the presbytery, [1 Tim. 4.14]: As they ministered to the LORD,
and fasted, the HOLY GHOST said,
Separate me Barnabas and Paul, for the work whereunto I have called them.
This, and the call of the people, are the moral means for communicating
the call of the Spirit to the person set apart; hence, all the pastoral
duties are laid upon his conscience, in obedience and conformity to Christ;
and there is also a divine authority for the people to obey and submit
to him in the LORD, in his proclaiming, explaining,
and declaring the laws of Christ unto them: for this cause, the apostles
took special care to set up all the institutions of Christ, as the state
and condition of the church did require; they not only gathered Christians
into bodies, but set rulers over them: And when they had ordained them
elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them
to the LORD, on whom they believed. [Acts 14.23.]
The same they gave in charge to the evangelists, who were appointed to
confirm the churches, and to ordain officers in them. It is also evident,
that all the churches of Christ accepted rulers, and acknowledged them
as such. There were elders in the church of Ephesus [Acts 20.17.]; the
church of Jerusalem had not only apostles but elders [Acts 15.2,22.]: hence
the whole church is brought in under these two heads, rulers and
ruled [Heb. 13.17,24.]; Obey them that have the rule {56} over
you: all members of the church are not men in office, there are rulers
who are distinguished from saints.I come on this head

Second, To speak of the authority of gospel
ministers: they are servants, but having an office in Christs household,
they are vested with a power therein; all ministerial authority is put
into their hands for the good of the church. You read of the power of the
keys; And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and
whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever
thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [Matth. 16.19.] This
is an ensign of authority, and it notes a commission given by Christ to
some to rule in his family, according to the order and form prescribed
in his word.Church-authority may be said to be threefold;first, Monarchical,
in respect of Christ the Head;second, Democratical, in respect
of the body of believers;third, Aristocratical, in respect of the
officers; these last are the churchs servants, and must manage their power
with all humility, not as lords over Gods heritage; for it is committed
to them for the edification of the body. [2 Cor. 10.8.] Their very names
in scripture note a great deal of power: they are your guides, leaders,
and commanders, and said to be over you in the LORD;
men set before others, and exalted above them: their power appears so much
the greater, if it is considered, that they speak to the church in the
name of CHRIST; and that what they require by virtue of their office, they
do it in the authority of the LORD JESUS CHRIST: therefore, as you owe
obedience and subjection to him, in whose name they speak, and whose work
they do, you are to submit to them in the LORD; In
the name of our {57} Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together,
and my Spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Cor. 5.4.]
If ministers acted in their own name, indeed, there were little power in
it, but in the name of Christ there is great authority. I may further add,
as it is a power given them by Christ, so also with the churches own consent,
and for a people to put a power into ones hand, and afterwards to deny
him the exercise of that power, is to judge and condemn themselves in the
thing which they allow; there is then a necessity upon the people to be
subject to this power, both for conscience sake, and as to what was done
by their own free election, which still argues the greatness of ministerial
power in the church [Isa. 22.22.], The governing and ordering of all the
affairs in Christs family, must go through the hands of ministers, with
the Eldership; whatever is done in the church, they must be the doers of
it. As it was said of Joseph, whatever was done in all the land of Egypt,
he was the doer of it, so whatever is done in the church of Christ, they
must be the doers thereof, And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom
of heaven. [Matt. 16.19; 18.17,18.] The text means both of grace and glory,
a power to bind and loose in the church, by virtue of Christs institution,
and what they bind or loose, remit or retain, shall be so done in the world
to come. Ministers open heaven ministerially to the church, and if on the
warrant of the word, they shut any out, heaven shall be shut on them: If
they bind on the consciences of sinners, so will the Lord also in a future
state, and in this respect, it is a far greater power, than if one had
the keys of the authority and government of all the world. Ministerial
authority is what they have, either jointly, or separatelyAnd, First,
They {58} have a power in conjunction with one another, thus office-bearers
in the church, when constituted into a judicative capacity as courts of
Christ in his house, have the power of ordination, discipline, government,
and administering Ecclesiastick censures, for the orderly management of
his householdSecond, They have an authority which they can exercise
separately, in the administration of word and sacraments, an authority
to declare the counsel of God, to instruct, exhort, command, reprove and
threaten sinners, a power to admonish, refute and confute hereticks, a
power to bind or loose according to the threatenings and promises of the
gospel: it must still be remembered, that all this power is spiritual in
its nature, it relates not to the bodies or estates of men; but immediately
and only respects their souls and consciences, Hence it is managed only
by spiritual means; not by external violence in the way of the world, but
solely by the word, which is the sceptre of the power of Christ, For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling
down of strongholds. [2 Cor. 10.4.] If sinners will not hear and be reclaimed
by the word, ministers have no other way of dealing with them, but to set
before them the judgment that is written, and leave them as inexcusable,
and answerable to the power. All the censures of the house of God are spiritual,
and relate to the soul, as a binding of sin. [John 20.23.] As there is
a pardoning of sin in the conscience, and in respect of their church state,
so there is a binding of sin upon the conscience, and before the church:
a withdrawing of communion from the obstinate [2 Thess. 3.14.], that when
they see all godly men to avoid their fellowship as a Pest, they
may be ashamed; And a delivering such unto Satan, a casting {59} them out
by a judicial act from the assembly of the church, and being cast out,
they are in the world, where Satan rules, and have nothing more to do with
ordinances; yet, all this is with a special respect to the soul, for ordinances
are means to inflict spiritual judgments, as well as to convey spiritual
blessings. [1 Cor. 5.4,5.] Thus, all church power is for spiritual ends,
for the preservation, edification, and salvation of the soul, in the day
of the Lord Jesus. But I come to

Third Head, Which is to open
up the work and duty of a gospel minister. Ministers are here said
to be servants; nor is this a mean dignity, the greatest honour of a creature
is to be owned by God, as his servant. The dignity even of angels, lies
in their service, Are they not all ministering spirits [Heb. 1.14.]Ministers
are stewards to Christs family, Who then is that faithful and wise steward,
[Luke 12.42.]Souls and the gospel, their proper food, are both committed
to their care, Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ,
and stewards of the mysteries of God. [1 Cor. 4.1.]

First, Their work is to feed the household, by
preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ: The duty of a pastor is to feed,
of a Steward to provide. It requires special attention to feed the church
of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. [Acts 20.28.] Indeed,
this is the great end of the ministry. The preaching of the gospel is the
main engine in the hand of God, whereby he overturns the strongholds of
sin, and undermines the kingdom of darkness; this is the great mean of
the spiritual nourishment of souls; and as the gospel is the food of souls,
ministers are obliged to dispense it in their own persons to their flocks;
They are not at liberty to turn it over to others: it {60} is of too great
importance to be done by proxy, and therein, they are to preach
the things that become sound doctrine, which proves health to souls. But
speak thou the things which become sound doctrine. [Titus 2.1.] They must
not feed souls with their own fancies and mere speculation; but with Jesus
Christ the green pasture, as they would not be guilty of starving souls,
and suffering them to pine away under spiritual want, for we preach
not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for
Jesus sake. A gospel minister must be able to say, what I deliver to
you, is not other than what I have received of the Lord: As ambassadors
they must keep close to their instructions, with A THUS SAITH THE
LORD. They must preach Christ and his gospel purely, not
handling the word of God deceitfully, and adulterating he truths of Christ,
not blindly, mixing the two covenants together, in justification; and so
making another gospel. Whoever does this, lays himself under the curse
of heaven. [Gal. 1.8.] The preaching of Christ and free grace is the way
God honours: unless the sound and breath of Christ be in the preaching,
the Holy Ghost will not communicate his influences on the hearers. There
is such a beautiful harmony among all divine truths, and such a harsh dissonance
betwixt them and error, that no error can agree with them. We speak the
words which become sound doctrine, when we make all the divine perfections
to harmonize in the work of our redemption, when we give unto Christ, in
all things, the preeminence making all duty center in him, and so lay the
pride of sinful men in the dust. O! let the name, grace, Spirit, and love
of Christ triumph in every sermon, recommend him to sinners as a sanctuary
to protect them, a {61} propitiation to reconcile them, a treasure to enrich
them, and advocate to represent their persons and services to God, as wisdom
to counsel, righteousness to justify, sanctification to renew, redemption
to save, and as an inexhaustible fountain of pardon, grace, comfort, victory,
and glory: this is food. I am the bread of life: and when preaching
up the necessity of gospel holiness, as faithful ministers, they must declare,
that true Evangelical holiness can grow upon no root, but the grace of
CHRIST alone: Christ must be set forth, as the only
foundation of reconciliation with GOD, of regeneration,
faith, repentance, and all blessedness. In order to this, tis necessary,
that ministers be well acquainted with the holy scriptures, and our own
church standards, which may be called forms of sound words; yea,
and that themselves first taste the words, which they distribute to others:
They must study to get their sermons first preached to their own souls.
In this work, they must neither overlook the poor, nor fear the rich; but
be instant in season, and out of season.

Second, to defend the gospel and all the truths
thereof, against the errors of the times, Knowing that I am set for the
defence of the gospel. [Phil. 1.17.] They must contend earnestly for
the faith once delivered to the saints. The truth of the gospel is
worthy of the striving for; it is the food of our own and of others souls;
it is the spring of spiritual life, and foundation, on which we build for
eternity. It is indeed lamentable, that now, there are scarce any
of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, which are not impugned and called
in question, by men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth; and that
many, who still profess to own divine truths, do so blind law {62} and
gospel, that they make the covenant of grace, little better than another
edition of the covenant of works. In relation to the discipline and government
of CHRISTs house, the generality seem agreed, that
it is matter of mere indifferency. The Divinity, the Sonship, and personal
character of our LORD JESUS CHRIST,
are also attacked from different quarters, and endeavoured to be undermined,
by all the little sophistry, and carnal reasoning, that men of corrupt
minds are capable of. Now a ministers duty is to defend all the truths
of the gospel, whether respecting the glory of God, the salvation of men,
the rights of Christians, or the prerogatives of our Redeemer; and here
my brethren, there is the most special need for the exercise of all the
gifts and graces of a gospel minister: faithfulness will oblige to the
duty; but wisdom must direct, when, and how to do it. The establishment
of the people in the truth, is one great end of the ministry; but without
the assistance of all grace, the end is not likely to be obtained. A faithful,
loving, and bold minister will not be silent, when the glory of his master,
the good of souls, and the salvation of his people are concerned; Yet,
all his endeavours to secure them, will be to little purpose, if knowledge,
humility, and wisdom are a-wanting, in the management of that design. Wisdom
and prudence must both time our contentions, and regulate the manner of
them, they will neither suffer us to appear too soon, nor too late; not
too soon, because errors are sometimes best cured by neglect, and in a
little time they grow weary of themselves; nor too late, lest they should
get head, and be past retrieve.

Third, It is the work of a gospel minister to declare
all the counsel of God, to set before the household, all the treasures
of grace, as Paul said, For {63} I have not shunned to declare unto you
all the counsel of GOD. [Acts 20.27.] It is not to
be supposed, that all the truths of GOD, which are
comprehended in the unfathomable depth of divine revelation, ever can be
brought forth by any one minister, or even by all that ever preached the
gospel: the apostle does not say, he actually declared to them all the
counsel of GOD; but he did not shun it; for we know
only in part, and prophesy but in part: Not to shun to declare all is,
to keep back no truth which we know from our hearers. It is to the utmost
of our capacity, to bring forth what we know and think as before GOD,
will be most for their spiritual profiting, in the proper season of it,
and that either for instructing the ignorant, awakening the secure, strengthening
the weak, recovering the straying, or comforting the mourners in Zion,
and raising up those that are bowed down, under spiritual distresses of
any kind; thus studying rightly to divide the word of truth, and to give
every one their portion of meat in season.

Fourth, It is the work of gospel-ministers to be
careful, that as they have called others, so that they in their own persons
have answered the gospel call. Ministers are the salt of the earth, and
if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? under
the law, there was a sea for the priests to wash in, as well as a laver
for the peoples souls. Oh! shall we direct others to heaven, and not go
there ourselves? It may make us tremble to think, that it is possible for
ministers, like the unbelieving spies, to coast the heavenly Canaan, to
commend it to others, and yet never to possess it themselves; this had
weight with Paul, But I keep under my body, and bring into subjection;
lest that by any means, when I have preached {64} to others, I myself should
be a cast away. [1 Cor. 9.27.] What anguish and sorrow must it be to a
minister, to behold many of his people and charge in heaven, and himself
a cast away? Oh cruel thought! and yet doubtless, it will be the end and
fate of many at length, to find the gates of life, which they opened to
others in the dispensation of the gospel, shut upon themselves.

Fifth, Ministers are to warn the people. Son of
Man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore, hear
the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. [Ezek. 3.17.] It
is their business to warn them often, of the danger of living and dying
in the unsafe state of unrenewed nature, without being acquainted with
the power of godliness, Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching
every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in CHRIST
JESUS. [Col. 1.28.] They are to warn them of hypocrisy,
of all error and heresy, and the evil and danger thereof: O! how does Infidelity
rage amongst us? the doctrine of free grace is generally scoffed at, and
human reason is cried up to the height of gospel revelation. How is CHRIST
dethroned in the land? Impious men are found robbing him of his royal prerogative;
they have shuffled their cursed heads under his glorious crown. In a word,
men must be warned against all sin and danger, whether they will hear or
forbear, as we would be guiltless of the blood of their souls. [Ezek. 3.18,19.]
Therefore, let ministers often visit their flocks, and warn every one,
night and day, that they may not be found careless hirelings, and expose
them to the rage and cruelty of the devouring wolf: this duty is enforced
by Pauls practice, when {65} he said to Barnabas, Let us go again and
visit our brethren in every city, where we have preached the word of the
Lord. In the management of this part of duty, the poor must not be neglected,
the rich feared, nor young ones despised; for all souls are of alike value
in Gods estimation.

Sixth, They are to administer all appointed ordinances,
these belong to the provision which our Lord has made for the nourishment
of his family. A minister is Christs representative in his house; he acts
in his name, and is to express his tenderness, love, and care in visiting
it: like the high priest of old, he brings their names, temptations, and
doubts before the throne, and must still remember, that Christs household
on earth are a company of troubled, and tempted ones. Perhaps, some of
the sweetest senses, which ministers are helped to give of scripture, are
the issue and result of the conflicts and experiences of other saints,
communicated unto them, That is, that I may be comforted together with
you, by the mutual faith both of you and me. [Rom. 1.12.] A minister may
possibly gain more by one hours converse with his people, than by a weeks
study, and they also may be greater gainers, than by many learned sermons.
Ministers must therefore allow their people all proper opportunities of
this kind, and exercise a compassionate sympathy with every member, under
all his afflictions; yet, at the same time, in administering the seals
of the covenant, they must carefully separate betwixt the precious and
the vile, and herein lies much of the beauty of the ministerial office,
in keeping conform to the pattern, in keeping the door, as the Levites,
that the unclean enter not in, and so not affix the precious seals of Gods
covenant to a visible blank. In this exercise of church authority, there
{66} is very great difficulty, as many in Christs household are often
in such a condition, that they need both exhortation and reproof, and Christs
stewards must have an impartial regard to the meetness of the subject in
all, and maintain a compassionate feeling with all the members of the church,
in their various temptations, trials, and disconsolations inward and outward,
Who is weak and I am not weak, who is offended and I burn not? [2 Cor.
11.29.]

Seventh, The exercise of church discipline upon
offenders belongs to the food of Christs household, here ministers must
be impartial, and study so to rebuke and reprove sin, that the party under
rebuke may be convinced, it is not their persons, but their sins that are
hated, Let the righteous smite me, and it shall be as oil to my bones,
and them that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear. Some may
say that such a freedom will irritate; for avoiding all irritation, the
apostle gives an excellent direction, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with
all long-suffering, yea, with all gentleness, that they may restore such
an one with the spirit of meekness: as there are some sinners, not only
impudent, but obstinate, it is necessary to rub their sores with
vinegar and salt, that they may be felt. Our Saviour, who was meekness
itself, severely lashed the hypocrites: reprove we must, else we cannot
be faithful, and prudently too, else we cannot be successful. Faithfulness
considers and argues the necessity of the duty, and wisdom considers the
quality of the offender, the time and manner of the application. Wisdom
will reach the sin, and if possible, avoid the offence of the sinner.

Eight, The ministers duty is to teach and guide
by example, as well as by doctrine. He is represented, as {67} an evil
servant, whose conversation is corrupt, how pure soever his doctrine might
be, But and if that servant say in his heart, my Lord delayeth his coming,
and shall begin to beat the menservants, and maidens, and to eat and drink,
and to be drunken. He is at the best, but like the star which did only
guide the wise men where Christ was to be found. He, who by a wicked life
buildeth again those things, which by his holy doctrine he destroyed, makes
himself a transgressor, a holy life justifies the doctrines which are according
to godliness. Therefore a minister must take heed to himself, as well as
to his doctrine, lest while he preach Christ to others, he himself be a
castaway. He must be an example to believers, But be thou an example of
the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith,
in purity. [1 Tim. 4.12.]

Ninth, And to mention no more, a ministers duty
lies in inspecting particularly that part of the church, over which the
Holy Ghost hath made him overseer. Though every minister has a general
relation to the whole family, yet he hath a more special concern in that
part of it parceled out to him, and in which he is immediately to labour;
he is to be instant in season, and out of season; being glad to spend and
be spent, as one that must give account; and therefore, though in the public
dispensation of the gospel, a great auditory is desirable, because in a
great number, there is a probability some may be caught by the gospel-net;
yet, as to a particular charge, a small body is more comfortable, where
they are in capacity to be a charge, for ministers have then a better opportunity
of dealing with every one by himself, that, from a particular knowledge
of their various soul-cases, distresses, and temptations, they may apply
their doctrine to the situation {68} of each, and know how to speak a word
in season to the weary, and so give to all their portion of meat in due
time; and hence it is comfortable and hopeful, when the Lord brings his
church into such a state, as this can be obtained, both in respect of the
people, and of public instruments.I come to the

Fourth head, Which was to speak
of the qualifications of such a servant, whereby he is fitted for
his work, and likely to be successful therein.There are principally two
in my text, a faithful and wise servant, at present, I shall confine
myself to these, and what may be comprehended in them.First, He is faithful;
ministerial faithfulness is an essential requisite in his character; what
ground for trust, where there is no faith? And the thing that thou hast
heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men,
who shall be able to teach others also. Faithfulness, as it respects God,
ourselves, and the household includes.

First, Personal sincerity, so the word signifies,
where tis said of Abraham, that God found his heart faithful, i.e. it
was upright and sincere before him. A faithful minister is a sincere hearted
minister: Oh! herein, or in nothing, let us approve ourselves the ministers
of Christ; let this be our rejoicing, that in all sincerity, and godly
simplicity, we have had our conversation in the world; and the rather be
careful in this, because, no sin is more apt to insinuate itself into our
hearts and duties, than hypocrisy. In the 9th of Hosea and 7th verse, the
servant is called a spiritual man, the spiritual man is mad, but
from that text it is plain, that the servant may be objectively
spiritual, and all the while subjectively a carnal man; alas! he
can have but little, or no concern for the souls of others, who has no
{69} sense of the worth of his ownbelieve it, a minister will find his
own heart one of the hardest texts he has to preach on; it is easier, like
orators
to declaim against a thousand sins in others; than like
Christians,
to mortify one sin in ourselves: our work is spiritual; but alas! our frames
are often carnal: gifts may make us useful to others; but without the present
exercise of grace in duty, how often are ministers a burthen, a terror
to themselves! delight in God gives rest, sweetness, and complacency in
duty; and indeed, all studying and preaching may be said to be but trifling,
until the truths studied and preached be felt, in their power, in the heart:
all abounding in public services, will never atone for neglect in private,
and personal communion with God.

Second, Pure and spiritual aims and intentions
for God, a servant is not his own, but his who hath chosen him, whose honour
and interest he must design. Fidelity will not endure self-ends, disguised
with a pretence of zeal for Christ. It is said of the master-workmen in
the temple of old, that there was no reckoning made with them because they
dealt faithfully; they acted out of a pure principle of zeal for God and
his house, without any respect had to sinister and base ends; oh! let us
all be such faithful master-builders for the house of our God; let us say,
not our interests, but Christs; not our glory, but his; let us beware
of all artifices and designs, to accommodate carnal interests under a shew
of devotion to God; let us not dread the fear of the world or scourge of
tongues; let us not desire the love of lucre, nor court the applause of
men; but with Paul labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted
of God, Let us study to shew ourselves unto God, workmen that need not
to be ashamed. Pure ends in our service will give abundant comfort,
{70} at the end of our service; if our great Lord approves, no matter who
condemns.

Third, Impartiality in all the affairs of Christs
house, he that is partial in church-administrations, cannot be faithful,
with what extraordinary solemnity does Paul urge this upon Timothy, I
charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels,
that thou observe these things, without preferring one before another,
doing nothing by partiality. [1 Tim. 5.21.] We must shortly appear before
an impartial God. Oh then! let us be impartial servants in all the mysteries
of Christ, rightly dividing the word of truth, and giving every one their
portion in due season; a gospel minister must manifest the same love to,
and attend with the same diligence, on the poorest and weakest, as on the
richest and strongest: all the souls of the saints are rated at one value,
in our masters book, they are all equally dear to the blessed Jesus, and
they must be so to his ministers, the servants of Christ ought not to account
it any disturbance, to be interrupted in their studies, by the objections
and fears of a young convert, or by the sad complaints of a distressed
believer, (but oh! how rare nowadays, are interruptions of this kind?)
they must bear with their ignorance and weakness, yea, and even with their
impertinences, for he that winneth souls is wise.

Fourth, Diligence, and vigilance in the whole ministerial
work is comprehended in this; a minister must not be a sleepy drowsy person;
the wicked servant is called slothful, he is a faithless one. Rulers in
Christs household, have an extensive care devolved upon them, and it is
not enough that they have eyes in their heads; but these must be open,
there is work for their head, heart, and hands, ministers have need above
all others, to be fervent in spirit serving the Lord. A sleepy servant
{71} is no better than a faithless one: it is said in the parable, that
while men, church rulers slept, the enemy came and sowed tares, errors,
and heresies; when the shepherds sleep, the wolves watch, and devour the
flock.They must be diligent, to be found true believers, the importance
of sincere godliness in them, is written in the deep wounds the church
of Christ hath received, by the hands of ungodly ministersdiligent, that
they be called and sent ministers of the Lord, this is requisite as to
success, he that can say, Lord, thou hast sent me, may boldly add, Lord,
go with me and bless me; it is to be feared, that many do run and never
ask this question, and so is seen in their success; I sent them not,
therefore they shall not profit this people at alldiligent as to all
trials and temptations they may meet with, no men are more shot at, by
Satan, than ministersAnd diligent with respect to their doctrine, they
must be careful, that their doctrine be a divine truth, and that Christ
has given it to them, to give to his people, hear therefore the word
at my mouth. They must be well acquainted with the scriptures; those
who are called daily to lay out, had need to take care that they lay up:
it is incumbent on them to study before hand, what they are to deliver
to the people, and in a humble dependence on divine promised grace, digest
into order and method, what they are to deliver of the counsel of God,
[1 Tim. 4.13-16.], again it includes,

Fifth, Unweariedness and indefatigableness in their
work, all the names given to ministers in scripture, are taken from that
which is painful, hard, and laborious among men: they are watchmen, exposed
to all winds and weather, to the cold of the night, and to heat of the
day. Ministers may look for changeable conditions, a succession of good
and bad. Paul counsels Timothy {72} to endure hardness as a good soldier
of Christ; soldiers are not only appointed to stand sentinels in the night
and day; but are often sent upon desperate services: such an one was Paul
[2 Cor. 11.23-30.]: Ministers are men principally struck at, and are likely
to meet with the first and greatest danger; but whatever be the dangers
in the day, they must never weary and give over their work: the labours
of the ministry will exhaust the very marrow out of the bones, and hasten
old age, they are fitly compared to the toil of men in harvest, and the
labours of a woman in travail: indeed, it is not so much the expense of
their labours, as the loss of them, that kills faithful ministers; it is
not with them, as with other labourers, these find their ministerial work
as they leave it, but it is seldom so in the ministerial work: sin and
Satan unravel almost all that is done. The impressions made on peoples
souls in a sermon, often evanish before the next. Yea, ministers must fight
for the defence of those truths which they preach, as well as study them
to paleness, and preach them to faintness; but well-spent head, heart,
lungs and all! welcome pained breasts, aching backs, and trembling legs!
if by all, we can but approve ourselves Christs indefatigable faithful
servants, constant and steadfast to the end. Be thou faithful to the
death: we look for happiness, as long as God is in heaven, and he expects
constancy, as long as we are on earth.

Sixth, Holy boldness and courage in the cause of
Christ, it is necessary, that the preachers of the gospel be men of an
undaunted spirit and resolution, that they may avowedly make open proclamation
of their message, preferring the truth of God and conscience of duty, before
the favour of men. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces,
and thy forehead {73} strong against their foreheads, fear them not, neither
be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. [Ezek.
3.8,9.] Shall people not be afraid to sin? and shall ministers be afraid
to reprove them? they must resolve to bear the scorn and contempt of the
world; it requires courage and fortitude of mind, to make their way, thro
both the importunity of friends and frowns of enemies. Gospel-ministers
are the leaders of the sacred militia, who are marching to ruin the Devils
empire, and sap the foundations of his kingdom, and their honourable station
exposes them more to the hatred of wicked men, and malice of devils, than
if they stood on lower ground, being raised higher in office than ordinary
Christians, their enemies multiply in number, and increase in danger; but
tho dangers and deaths tare them in the face, they must never flee their
colours, nor forsake their captain. Their cause is good, their crown better,
and captain best of all, he goes before as the glorious breaker up, passing
before upon their head, and as he leads on, will not, like the devil, leave
his servants in extremity, but will bring them off with triumph and victory,
either safe on earth, or safe to heaven.

Seventh, It includes holy zeal, ministers had much
need to be fired with holy zeal for God, and religion founded on his authority.
It
is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing. Indifferency
in the Lords cause and interest, is often guilded over with the fair names
of moderation and charity, and when Christs cause, his honour and glory
are contended for, that is taken up under the notion of self-honour and
blind-zeal; but is it not observable; that great charity is allowed to
such as are not deserving thereof, and denied to these who are the proper
objects of it? In this day of blasphemy and rebuke, when the truths of
Christ are struck at, is it not required; {74} that ministers be zealous
against all that oppose themselves to their divine master? as they would
not be found bidding them God speed, who he curses. [2 John 10 & 11.]

Eighth, It respects the committing of the ministerial
trust into faithful hands, for its safe transmission to posterity. And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. [2 Tim.
2.2.] Tho the prophets do not live for ever, yet the ministry must live
while the world lasts. And therefore it should be the care of ministers,
for the sake of the truth and of the church, to look out for such as may
be able to feed the flock, with knowledge, and of whom it may be hoped,
that they will be faithful in doing it; otherwise, they themselves cannot
be faithful.The putting of men into the sacred ministry is of the last
consequence to the souls of men, and the keeping of the truth pure. Lay
hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other mens sins; [1
Tim. 5.22.] without a due care used, ministers are chargeable with all
the injuries the truth suffers, by those whom they send forth precipitantly,
and are found to be unworthy timeserving men.

The second qualification with which the Lords servants
should be clothed is wisdom; they must not only be faithful, but wise,
discreet and prudent, knowing and understanding. Faithfulness will fix
the eye on the right end; but it is wisdom that must direct to the proper
means of attaining it. If we look to Rev. 4.6,7, we shall find a stately
emblem of gospel-ministers, they are men full of eyes, looking to God before
them for direction, looking to the flock which they lead, and looking within
them to their own hearts: they possess not only the courage of the Lion,
{75} the strength of the ox, and the loftiness of the Eagle, but the face
of a man, that is, wisdom, knowledge, and discretion. If the blind lead
the blind, both may fall into the ditch. Ignorance causeth error, and error
destruction [Isa. 9.16.]: there must be a comprehensive view of the gospel,
an experimental knowledge of God and his truths in all gospel ministers.
They are to lead the flock of Christ into green pastures, and there to
feed them, but without scripture knowledge, instead of feeding them on
the green and fat pastures of sound gospel-truths, they will lead them
to the rotten ground of heresy, where the flock will be ruined. If a minister
wants [lacks] eyes, how can he discern danger, instruct the ignorant,
plaister the wounded, reduce the straying, lift up the fallen, feed the
hungry, comfort the discouraged, resolve doubting consciences? Ministers
are, or should be, men of God, throughly furnished. The use of this
property to a minister of Christ is unspeakably great, in all the concerns
of Christs house. The eye of this heavenly wisdom must look to our own
proper work, and to others who work.It will direct us in our own ministerial
work that it be well done, particularly,

First, Wisdom will direct the servants in Christs
house, to lay a good foundation of knowledge in their peoples souls, by
catechising and instructing them in the principles of Christianity, without
which, they labour in vain; except they have a knowing people, they are
not like to have a gracious people. Pauls prudentials lay much in this,
as
a wise master-builder, says he, I have laid the foundation, and indeed,
this is the master-piece of a master-builder, without it, the most excellent
sermons will be dashed to pieces, on the rock of the peoples ignorance.
{76}

Second, This directs to the choice of subjects,
as the needs of peoples souls do most require: a wise servant will study
the souls of his people, more than the best human systems in his library.
He will not choose what is easiest for himself, or may best please their
humours; but what is most needful for their spiritual interest, hence is
called a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, knowing every part of
his work that lies before him. The food Christ has provided for his family
is of various sorts, suited to every ones case, and of which a wise servant
will eat up, and divide to every one his proper portion. The word of truth
consists of law and gospel, promises, and threatenings, grace and duty.
Some are Christs sheep to be brought into his fold; but presently ignorant
and unregenerate, such as need the doctrines of conviction, regeneration,
and faith: others are gathered in and need to be built up; among these,
are such as are withering and decaying in their religious affections, or
staggering and floating in their judgments; some are babes to be fed with
milk, plain easy gospel-truths; others are confirmed and strong men, to
be fed with stronger meat suitable to their age and standing in the church;
the wandering are to be settled, the secure roused, back-sliders threatened,
and the heavy loaden raised up, ministerial skill lies in an ability to
give to every one the proper food or physic which his present state calls
for.

Third, This directs to the language, in which he
is to deliver all his discourses to the people, this seeks to find out
acceptable words, particularly wholesome words, sound speech that cannot
be condemned: ministers are never to preach the law, without Christ the
end of it; as it was delivered, so let it be preached, in the hands of
a Mediator: when discovering the disease {77} let them still point to the
physician. [John 1.29.] Salvation must be preached from first to last,
altogether of free grace, and no conditions thereof known but what Christ
fulfilled, wisdom will choose expressions that are solid rather than florid,
and will cast away a thousand airy phrases, for one sentence that is apt
to penetrate the conscience, reach and affect the heart. As learning is
most useful, so most beautiful, when most concealed. A crucified stile
best suits the preachers of a crucified Christ. Let the truths of God be
delivered in such a plain and easy manner, as that the weak and ignorant
may understand them, Shunning all long and intricate sentences, all gaudy
and bombast expressions on the one hand, and all rude and coarse language
on the other, a grave scriptural stile is most elegant for the pulpit,
and it is certain the more fully ministers understand their own doctrine,
the more able will they be to deliver it plain to others.

Fourth, Wisdom guides to the proper season of treating
every divine truth, present truths struck at are to be vindicated, and
present sins run into are to be reproved: alas! a fatal neutrality prevails
among professors, both as to doctrine and practice, pretended moderation
in principles has been a great inlet, to all that irreligion which has
carried away the generation. There are many things in themselves, which
it may not be so seasonable to observe at all times, but a word fitly spoken,
that hits the case, time, occasion, and circumstances of persons and things,
is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. [Prov. 25.11.]

Fifth, It will show of what great use the exercise
of our own affections is, for the moving of others, and will therefore
advise, as ever ministers expect the truths they preach, to operate upon
the hearts of the {78} hearers, that they first labour to work them in
upon their own hearts, after this sort did Paul preach, it was with tears
accompanying his words.

Sixth, This directs to that gravity and strictness
of deportment, which is necessary to procure an esteem for the persons
of ministers, and a regard for their ministrations, in the consciences
of the people; in the pulpit, they are carrying on a treaty of peace betwixt
God and sinners, which will not allow any thing out of it, that may hinder
the happy close betwixt them. He that winneth souls is wise. Our
saviours sweetness allured, and the Baptists gravity made even Herod
to tremble, a proper mixture of both is most amiable, and best becoming
in the servant of the Lord, that he may be able to say with Paul, what
ye have both heard, and seen in me, do.

Seventh, This wisdom will send ministers often
to their knees, to seek a blessing from God on all their ministerial studies
and labours, as well knowing, that all the success depends entirely thereupon.
So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth:
but God that giveth the increase. [1 Cor. 3.7.] The best sermons are got
by prayer. If an honest husbandman could tell his neighbour, that the reason
why his corn prospered better than his was, because he steeped the seed
in prayer, before he sowed it,We, at least, I may blush to think, how
much more precious seed we have often sown dry and unsteeped in prayer,
and by this neglect, have frustrated our own expectations, but wisdom
is also of great use with respect to others who work, either with us, or
against us, And,

First, As to our brethren and fellow servants in
the Lord who work with us, wisdom will enjoin it upon us, that by the firmest
union with them, we make {79} their gifts and graces as useful as possible,
for the advancement of our great and difficult work: we cannot be ignorant,
how much Satan has gained, and Christs interest hath lost, by unhappy
divisions and alienations amongst brethren and fellow servants in the work
of the Lord. Christ hath shed down a variety of glorious ascension-gifts
and abilities upon ministers, for the service of the church, which are
not capable of a full improvement, but in union and conjunction with each
other. Gifts are improved in ministers by prayer and study; but the benefit
of these is shared amongst them by love and unity. Love and union bring
every ones gifts and graces into the common stock, and instead of monopolies,
they drive an open trade to the great enriching of the church. There is
not a greater, or more pleasant variety of qualities, smells, and colours,
among the herbs and flowers in the field, than there is in the gifts and
abilities of ministers, for the service of the church: when these different
gifts and qualities shine together in the church, what a glorious constellation
do they make! what benign influences do they shed down upon the Lords
heritage!

Second, Again, this wisdom is most useful with
respect to enemies, who labour to obstruct the work of the Lord in their
hands, and if ministers are heartily engaged in the service of Christ,
they may expect many adversaries and much opposition from them, men, who
will raise clouds of reproach to darken their reputation among the people,
men, who will represent them as ignorant and unlearned, factious and seditious,
erroneous and enthusiastical, in this case, wisdom will restrain from rendering
reproach for reproach, and propound the best expedient in the world, for
the vindication of their names, and the success of their labours, and that
is, that they so preach the gospel, that {80} people may see the power
of Christ in their doctrine, and so live, that they may see the beauty
of Christ in their conversation, thus preaching and living, they shall
bear down before them, all the prejudices of the world. I come to the

Fifth Head, To offer some quickening
motives, to stir up ministers to constancy and diligence in this great
work, and of many that might be offered, shall only name these four.

First, Gospel-ministers are not their own, but
Christs; it is he that calls, and sends them to their work, Son of man,
I have made thee a watchman to the house of Israel. [Ezek. 3.17.] A servant
is wholly anothers [Eph. 4.11.], hence ministers are called vessels
[2 Cor. 4.7.] not only signifying, that they can convey nothing but what
they have received; but to show that what they receive, is not for themselves
only, but chiefly for others; nay, they are not only Christs but the churchs,
for Christs sake; all their knowledge, their gifts both of praying and
preaching, their graces, trials, and comforts are all for the use, and
benefit of the household of Christ.

Second, Christ will one day come and demand an
account of their whole trust: servants are accountable to them by whom
they are put in trust. After a long time, the Lord of those servants cometh
and reckoneth with them. [Matt. 25.19.] God values no man by his greatness
in the world, but as he has laid out his talents for his service, and what
an awful thought is it, that they who have been employed in the great work
of saving others, may themselves be cast aways!

Third, If faithful now, they shall be blessed at
last, Christ has a crown of glory in his hand, as the gift of grace. When
the chief shepherd shall appear ye shall {81} receive a crown of
glory. If ministers work for him, they shall appear, and reign with
him, look forward to the reward, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye
also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus, [2 Cor. 1.14.], for ye are
our glory and joy. [1 Thess. 2.19,20.]

Fourth, The Lord Christ will feed his servants:
while they as rulers and servants are dividing a portion to others, themselves
shall be fed at his table, their springs are all in Christ, and though
streams fail, there is all sufficiency in him the fountain, tho distressed
on all hands in their work, Christ calls off from straits and difficulties
to look to him, who has promised, the liberal soul shall be made fat,
and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. [Prov. 11.25.]I shall
now make some general reflections from the whole, And,

First, From the state and condition
of the church, its relation to Christ, as his house and family, we may
be taught, that the sole order and disposal of it should be entirely left
to himself: the men of this world will be tampering with Christs house,
and laying out their wisdom about it, to cast it into this and the other
form, such as into Prelatical, Papistical, Erastian, and Sectarian forms.
Others contend, that Christ has left no settled form in his house, but
has left it to the will of man, to choose what he pleases, all this wisdom
is not from above; it bears a high reflection against him who is a son
in and over his own house, and who is exceeding jealous of his honour in
this particular; he cannot bear it, that men pretending to his glory, should
think him so wanting in love, faithfulness, and wisdom towards his church,
as not exactly to dispose of all things that concern the order and government
thereof. {82} None would be so dealt with in their houses, as Christ is
generally dealt with in his: every one supposes himself to have sufficiency
of conduct to order his own house, only Christ is so wanting in faithfulness
and wisdom, as to leave his to the discretion of others; how absurd and
blasphemous the thought! How impious to suppose! that not only, either
Pope or Prelate, but that any Erastian civil head should be vested with
the jewel of supremacy, in and over the church, to model the form thereof
at pleasure, as alas! has been fatally the case in these nations, ever
since our national apostacy from our national attainments, in purity of
principle and reformation.

Second, Is the church Christs household? then
let the men of the world take heed how they spoil it for themselves, or
impose upon Christ, that for his house, which is destitute of the distinguishing
properties of it. If we should present that to Christ for his household,
which is but a den of unclean beasts, a sty of swine, he
would not bear with such a reproach: they do an equal injury to the Lord
of this house, who attempt to pull down the form and frame of it; and turn
it into a den of thieves, they who calling themselves servants or rulers
therein, instead of preserving their equity and the discipline of this
household, do pervert the same, plunder the family of its most valuable
furniture and privileges, and break down the carved work of reformation
in the house of God, which by oath to him we are bound to maintain and
defend; but will the Lord Christ suffer his household to be spoiled at
an easy rate? shall not the ungodly pay dear for their encroachments? Yes,
for he hath said, touch not mine anointed,and Jerusalem shall
become a burdensome stone to all that burthen themselves therewith.
The gates of hell have made many attempts for the ruin of Christs church,
but never yet have prevailed, and never shall, infinite wisdom {83} always
hath taken the wise in their own craftiness, turned the counsel of the
forward headlong, and made the very devices of hell subservient to the
exalting of the Redeemers interest. His enemies will I clothe with shame,
but upon himself shall his crown flourish. [Psalm 132.18.] The little
stone cut out of the mountain always hath, and ever shall prove too hard
for every opposition, it shall become a great mountain, and fill the whole
earth.

Third, From the subject, learn that a gospel ministry
is of divine institution, he gave some apostles, and some Prophets, and
some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of
the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body
of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge
of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature
of the fullness of Christ, [Eph. 4.11-13.]; and that it is perpetually
binding, useful, and of necessary use in the church of Christ, ordinances
are constantly needful in the house of Christ, therefore there must be
rulers and servants to dispense them, as appears from the promise of Christs
presence with his ministers, in the dispensation thereof to the end of
the world. [Matt. 28.20.] The ends of a gospel-ministry are of continued
necessity, the chosen number are to be gathered in, enemies are to be opposed,
and the saints are to be built up in their most holy faith, until they
reach the stature of the fullness of Christ, therefore the ministerial
work is not only honourable; but useful and necessary; it is to instruct
the ignorant, to give wisdom to the simple, to open the eyes of the blind,
to relieve the oppressed, to deliver these who are condemned to poverty,
slavery, and death: this is {84} a work worthy of the greatest men. These
therefore who say, that the church, for any considerable time can dispense
with the want of a gospel ministry, or, that it is unnecessary to the subsistence
of the church in the world, may as well say, that this lower world needs
not the sun, a church without ministers is like a body without eyes, a
flock without a shepherd, or a family without a ruler, or any to serve
it.

Fourth, We may see the condescension and goodness
of God in giving us gospel ministers: Christ himself having gone to heaven,
has left them to supply his absence: the bridegroom having departed for
a season, has left them, as his friends, to comfort his bride, to watch
over his church, and feed his household. In the new Jerusalem there is
no need of them, I saw no temple there. There, all the children
of the resurrection shall see him face to face, and compass him about with
shouts and songs of salvation.

Fifth, Hence see the wisdom and mercy of God, in
giving us men like ourselves,of like passions with ourselves, to be rulers
and servants in his household. God could have taught his church either
immediately by himself, or mediately by angels; but the experience of all
saints, both under the Old and New Testament, plainly shows, how little,
in our mortal state, we could bear such a dispensation; let not God speak
to us, but let Moses speak to us, said his own Israel, when they saw the
fire and smoke, and heard the dreadful sound of the trumpet; nay, the favourite
himself trembled; and the beloved disciple could not bear the divine splendor
of his exalted Lord, tho the rays of his majesty and glory were tempered
with meekness and grace; but when he heard and saw him, fell down at his
feet as dead.

Sixth, From this subject be informed, what a fatal
pernicious thing an erroneous, unfaithful, and ignorant {85} ministry is
to the church of God, it is one of the worst plagues that can befall her:
for such act in immediate opposition to the gracious design of heaven,
in the institution of this ordinance, and the family is ruined, or in the
utmost danger of being destroyed for want of faithfulness and knowledge.
There were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false
teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,and many
shall follow their pernicious ways. [2 Pet. 2.1.] Alas! how awfully is
this verified in our day: is not Christs household filled up with a loose,
erroneous, and may I not add, an ignorant ministry? who attempt to feed
the household with the empty harangues of a Heathenish morality, while
Christ in his person and official character is not to be found in all their
discourses, and if this is the case, we are, notwithstanding all our light,
among the dark places of the earth: how much need then to try the spirits,
particularly as to their acquaintance with Christ, and the power of religion,
before their admittance as rulers into Christs house, agreeable to the
divine direction? [1 John 4.1.]

Seventh, Let us not think that ministers are perfect,
the sun hath its motes, and the best marble its flaws; the heavens are
not pure in Gods sight, much less man; be not severe to mark the failings
of Christs servants, every gracious soul, like Shem, will be more ready
to throw a mantle over their fathers nakedness, than with wicked Ham, to
expose and flout at it; these who mock or despise the servants of Christ,
as they are guilty of an atrocious crime, so they run themselves into visible
danger. He that despiseth you, despiseth me, and he that despiseth me,
despiseth him that sent me. {86}

Eighth, From this doctrine you may be convinced,
that the ministerial work is not so easy, as some apprehend it to be, considering
the many qualifications that are necessary; indeed, we find Isaiah saying
send
me, and when young men are entered upon the ministry, they are often
resolute, and think to carry all down before them, until they find that
OLD ADAM is too strong for YOUNG MELANCHTHON.It
is a very hard and difficult work, who is sufficient for these things?
it is no easy talk to rule an ungovernable people, especially, when the
laws whereby they are to be governed, are contrary to their natural inclination,
it is so hard a work, that many of Christs servants of old undertook it,
with much trembling, crying out,
send by whom thou will sendso
hard, that a saint with all his natural parts, with all his acquired abilities,
nay, with all his spiritual gifts, graces, and endowments, is not sufficient
for it, without fresh supplies of new strength from above.The difficulty
of this work arises partly, from themselves who are employed therein, they
are attended with weakness, and carry about with them a body of sin and
death, they, at best, know but in part, and are of short lived experience,
and subject to many discouragements and temptations,partly, from the work
itself. It is a most mysterious work, it requires the greatest care, exactness,
and diligence and the whole strength of the soul: a work that consists
of many branches, which must be continually followed. Preach the word;
be instant in season, and out of seasonand partly, on account of the
opposition ministers meet with, from sin, satan, and the world, by reproaches,
contradictions, and persecutions from Hereticks and false teachers, and
even false brethren; and often from the stubbornness, unteachableness and
refractory perverse dispositions of the people they are immediately set
over. {87}

Ninth, Is there so much required of ministers?
may not the doctrine then reach conviction to all of us, whom God hath
called to this sacred office? when we consider what, and how much is required,
and how little we have performed; may not our consciences upbraid us? Can
we say that we have declared the whole counsel of God? and that we are
pure from the blood of all men? or dare we appeal to God, and our people,
for the tenderness of our walk? When we read of Pauls diligence, how he
warned every one, exhorted every one, importuned them with tears, traveled
from house to house, thought no labour too great, no lodging too mean,
no diet too coarse, no bed too hard, in pursuing his work, it may fill
our hearts with fear, and our consciences with remorse: all I shall say
on the whole is, when we enter on the consideration of neglects and defects
of this great work; must we not cry out, enter not into judgment with
us, O God. We have constant need to make use of the laver that is at
the door of the tabernacle, in going to, and in coming from our work; but
notwithstanding the imperfections of ministers, people will have much to
count for, who despise their message delivered in the faithful discharge
of their trust, for these who despise them, despise him who sent them,
and how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the
first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that
heard him.

Tenth, Are ministers rulers and servants in Christs
household? have they such a great charge? then they ought to have a comfortable
maintenance allowed them, by the people, over whom they are set: this is
their due by divine right, and love to God and his truths ought to influence
the people to their duty. The labourer is declared worthy of his hire,
[Luke 10.7.], they {88} ought to have all things necessary provided for
them, and their families. If God bless a congregation with a plentiful
portion of this worlds goods, it is their duty, to make their minister
a sharer with them in their fullness. It is not enough, that his pressing
necessities be supplied, while the people abound in superfluities. If indeed
the necessity of the church be such, and they do not voluntarily place
themselves in that necessity, then the minister must be content to be poor
with them, yea, and if need be, rejoice to approve himself a minister of
God, by hunger and nakedness, if God call him thereto; but if it really
is in the power of the churchs hand to provide better, God expects it
of them; and be not deceived, God is not mocked. The people be under the
strongest obligations to this duty; the law and light of nature oblige
to it, as a matter of equity and justice, see how the apostle pleads and
enforceth this duty, 1 Cor. 9.7-15.The ministry is a warfare, a labour
undertaken at the command of Christ for the service of souls, and is it
consistent with justice, that labourers should be deprived of the fruit
of their work? such is the case, in respect of a reasonable provision,
betwixt a minister and his people. It is not charity, but strict justice;
a reasonable debt owing him, he is called to be employed in the churchs
service, and of right, should live on their charge; you have taken him
off from all other business, and therefore his maintenance is due from
you, as much as the wages of your servants; though many will give more
to the meanest servant in their house, than to their minister. Is it reasonable
they be devoted to necessities, the same hour they enter into the ministry?
Let ministers, at least, have as good treatment as the oxen that tread
out the corn, [1 Cor. 9.9.] Nay, to put the matter beyond all dispute,
God hath added his express command, in providing for his {89} ministers,
under the law, verse 13, and the moral equity of it never ceaseth, nor
hath Christ left gospel-ministers to the pleasure of the wide world, but
hath made provision for them also, so far as the interest and authority
of his command will go with these that profess his name, verse 14, even
so hath the Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live
of the gospel. For understanding duty in this matter, do but only consider,
that a minister is to attend wholly on his calling in the work of the gospel,
that he may please him, by whom he is called thereunto, and therefore,
being excluded from these secular businesses whereby others advance themselves
in the world, it is by no means meet, that he should be left to conflict
with the thorny cares and pinching necessities of a mean condition; whilst
those he labours amongst have it in their power to prevent it.It is no
less his duty, than that of other men, to provide for his family, having
one, and as much as possible to take care, that they be not exposed to
misery when he is gone: although covetousness ill becomes him, it is a
great mistake to think, that he must divest himself of the due affection
of a husband, or tender care of a parent, and that the fruits thereof,
which are commendable in others, should be a fault in him. He is under
a special charge to use hospitality, and to be a pattern of charity, and
the people are concerned that he be capable of this grace by the exercise
of it. This duty might be more home applied; but perhaps, some will think,
there is too much said already, tho it is to be wished, that more were
not needful in some cases; only let it be remembered, that a gospel-minister
is the servant of Christ, and therefore, he acting in his place according
to his duty, the Lord Jesus will account that done to himself, which is
done to his ministers, for says he, he that receiveth you, receiveth
me. And therefore, true love to Christ and a due esteem {90} of his
gospel, will never suffer us to treat his servants in an unworthy manner;
remembering that he who gave himself for us, deserves to be honoured, not
only with good words, but with our substance, and the first fruits of our
increase.But, here I interrupt the prosecution of the applicatory branch
of this subject, until the more solemn part of the work is over: prayer
and singing of psalms being ended, I proceeded as follows.

You, the principal constituents and members of this assembly,
need not to be informed of the immediate design of our meeting together,
in this place, today. It is known, that you, the elders and people in the
different societies of true Presbyterian dissenters, in and about Stirling,
and the bounds adjacent thereto, owning and adhering to the testimony of
the covenanted reformed church of Scotland, maintained by the reformed
Presbytery, and united together in a congregational capacity, under their
inspection, did, some considerable time ago, petition said Presbytery,
to appoint one of their number to moderate in a call, to one, to take the
immediate ministerial oversight and inspection of you in the Lord, which
the Presbytery granted accordingly, and appointed the Reverend Mr. John
Thorburn to preach at Stirling, and to moderate in the said call; and the
foresaid congregation, at the moderation, having given their harmonious
and unanimous consent by the stretching out of their right hands, to Mr.
John Macmillan preacher of the gospel, to be their minister, did thereafter,
sign an unanimous and harmonious call to him, in the presence of the said
Mr. Thorburn moderator of the meeting, and two neutral witnesses, which
call the Reverend Mr. Thorburn attested; it being duly given into the Presbytery,
was sustained by them, as orderly proceeded in, and offered to be put into
the hands of the said Mr. Macmillan, who, {91} after a considerable time
desired, and granted to him, to deliberate thereupon, at length, accepted
said call, and returned it to the moderator; he was thereupon taken under
trials, in the ordinary and several pieces thereof, by the Presbytery,
in all which he acquitted himself to their satisfaction. According to appointment
his Edict was duly served, a Presbytery was held in this town, this forenoon,
and intimation was given from this place, that if any person or persons
had anything to object, against the life, or doctrine of Master John Macmillan
preacher, they should compear and give it in: no objections being offered,
the Presbytery now resolve this day, (being a day set apart for fasting
and prayer) to proceed to his ordination, after demanding from him, and
his giving satisfactory answers to the questions agreed upon by the Presbytery,
and proposed to licentiates before ordination, which questions, it is not
necessary here to insert; but being proposed to him, and answered to the
satisfaction of the Presbytery, I proceededyou the people of this congregated
charge, under the inspection of the reformed Presbytery, have heard the
questions proposed, the satisfactory answers given, which besides all other
discoveries, you have had of the orthodoxy of the candidate as to the faith
delivered to the saints, is another convincing proof thereof. It is desired,
that you now discover your former declared willingness to submit to this
person, as your pastor, in the Lord, by the apostolick cheirotonia, the
stretching forth of your right handsThis sign being given, I then proceeded
to the solemn setting apart of this person, to the holy office of the ministry,
by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, and by prayer, then was
given to Mr. Macmillan the right hand of fellowship to take part with us
in the holy ministry: and afterwards I prosecuted the application of the
doctrine, {92} in a further improvement of the subject, in a few advices,
both to the minister, and to the people.

CHARGE TO THE
MINISTER.

First, To the minister, Dear Brother, in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by his word and authority, I may
warrantably declare that you are no longer to be considered as a private
Christian, but as a minister of Jesus Christ; you are no more to be looked
upon as an inferior subject of the kingdom of Christ, but as an officer
in it. I do not now stand as a dictator, or as an informer to you; but
as a rememberancerWith the concern of a friend,of a father,and as a
brother in Jesus Christ, I would lay the words of the text before you,
who
then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over
his household, to give them meat in due season: and, I would not be
understood, to say more to you, than I do to myself, and to all the ministers
of Christ were they present, we are all equally concerned in his honour,
and in the pastoral office of his house. Will ye suffer a little the word
of exhortation, in the following particulars? consider

First, The great work you are now entered upon
is full of difficulties, you are called to an high and holy calling; but
your work is full of danger, full of duty, and full of mercy: you are a
servant and ruler in Christs family, which, while in this militant state,
is often very unruly: you are a watchman appointed to inspect the church
of God, and may expect hazards, the dangers of the day, and the noxious
humours of the night; you are a shepherd to feed and lead the flock of
Christ to green pastures; you are a steward to dispense the bread of life,
the mysteries of the gospel to the children of God. O then! divide the
word of truth aright, and give to every one their meat in due season; you
are a spiritual nurse to the new-born family, bearing their {93} burdens
and difficulties, in the way of becoming all things to all men, that, by
all means you may gain them to Christ, by not being a member simply, but
an officer in his house: I remember Luther puts the question, and gives
the answer, saying, what it is to be a minister? It is to draw the weight
of the worlds vengeance on ones head. The way and manner of the discharge
enhances the difficulty.

Second, It is not only difficult, but of great
importance, you are called to the winning of souls, an employment near
of kin to our Lords work, the saving of souls, and the nearer your spirit
be in conformity to his holy temper, the fitter you are for, and the more
fruitful you shall be in your work, we are either the savour of life unto
life, or the savour of death unto death, to all that hear us, and are under
our charge. Great is the importance! precious souls are committed to you;
the mysteries of the gospel, the truths of God, the honour of the Divine
Majesty, and his interests in the world are committed to you;to bring
down Satans kingdom is your office, to draw stones out of the quarry of
nature, and polish them for being received from the lower to the upper
house of God.

Third, Remember Christs interest in the people
committed to your charge: feed the church of God which he hath purchased
with his own blood: He is the owner of this flock and family, he takes
a special care of it. It shows us how the under-shepherds ought to take
care of his flock, from his own care of it, in Ezek. 34, from the 11th
to the 17th verse; he notices and reproves them who are not faithful, from
the 1st to the 11th verse; view and ponder this scripture.

Fourth, Consider the awful and solemn engagements
you are come under, before God, and witnesses not a few, to be faithful;
besides, you are under vows in baptism, to be honest, sincere, and faithful
to God {94} and his people, as you shall have occasion from time to time:
letyou and meand others here consider ourselves in Timothys place, to
do the work in faithfulness. Tho there is not the solemnity and formality,
in our engagements, of an oath; yet remember there is the force and strength
of an oath, the oath of office to be faithful to the trust, is like the
oath of fidelity that persons give to be faithful to the end. Let then
these you labour among see that you are in earnest about your Masters
business, that your heart is intent upon it, and that nothing will satisfy
you, but the answer of faith to the message which you bear.

Fifth, Consider the great account that you are
to give to Christ at the last day, and your danger, if not faithful in
the execution of your office, says God, his blood will I require at
thine hand. If you warn not the wicked, what a heavy charge is this!
If you suffer enemies to come in, and destroy your trust, life, in this
case, must go for life; on the other hand, how happy will you be when dying,
if you can say, I am pure from the blood of all men. Here is a charge,
and every one must give an account of the charge committed to him: the
question will be put to every minister, at last, as was in another case
said to David, what hast thou done with these few sheep committed to thee
in the wilderness? Oh miserable will the case of that shepherd be! if any
of the flock be lost on his account, if any of them shall stand up in the
last day, and cry, there is the servant, the steward of thy house, that
famished and starved my soul; but brother, better things are hoped of you,
and things that accompany salvation, tho I thus speak.

Sixth, Consider again your great reward: great
and massy is the crown of glory that will be set on their head, who are
found faithful and diligent. Be thou faithful unto the death, and I
will give thee a crown of life. {95} They that be wise shall shine
as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness
as the starts for ever and ever. [Dan. 12.3.] As the painful nurse
gets her wages, tho the child die, so, tho Israel should not be gathered
and saved, yet these ministers that have been helped to act faithfully
for God, however low and mean a figure they make in this world, shall make
a great one in the next, and be crowned with immortal glory: considering
therefore both your danger and reward, know your commission, arise speak
unto them all that I command thee, and be not dismayed at their faces,
for I am with thee, saith the Lord.

Seventh, Consider the rich assistance that are
promised and allowed to gospel-ministers: under a sense of your burdens,
trials, and weaknesses, you must cry to God who has promised to help,My
grace is sufficient for thee.Set out then, and hold on in the Lords
way and strength, all your strength lies in the mighty God of Jacob his
being with you, as it was with Gideon, the angel of the Lord said unto
him, the Lord is with theeand the Lord looked upon him and said, Go in
this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites,
have not I sent thee? Lay all the trial of faith on Christ for help,
depend solely upon him, without him you can do nothing; but thro him strengthening,
you may do all things. He is a rich and bountiful master, and sends none
a warfare on their own charges, there is all fullness treasured up in him,
when therefore you want a blessing, you know where to find it; yea, he
has put this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power
may be of God, and not of us. Confide in his promise, Lo! I am with
you alway

Eighth, Be intent on the exercises proper to your
station; read the scriptures much, for they are able to {96} make the man
of God both wise and perfect, by them you will be able to fight against
satans temptations, and to stop the mouths of the gainsayersGive a close
application to studies, ministerial abilities are not now rained down like
mannaexercise yourself to godliness, to be a man of God, and not to be
godly, is a solecismstudy both personal and relative godliness.Be much
in the duty of prayer, hereby you will keep up a correspondence with heaven,
when you come to your people, let it be from being on the mount with God.
Let prayer begin, form, and finish all your sermons. It was a saying of
one of the fathers, That temptation, meditation, and prayer made a good
minister.

Lastly, Let me again urge it on you, be faithful
to your Lord and master, whose servant you are, and whose message you bear.
Keep close to the instructions of his mouth, that you may be able to say,
What
I have received of the Lord, that I have delivered. Let nothing bribe,
or fright you from the faithful discharge of your trust, neither the favour
nor frowns of men. Act as says the apostle, but as we were allowed of
God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing
men, but God which trieth our hearts, [1 Thess. 2.4-6.], and to conclude,
let me with all the tenderness and importunity of a father,of a brother,
entreat and exhort you in the words of Paul, O Timothy keep that which
is committed to thy trust, [1 Tim. 6.20.], to your trust is committed
the mystery of the doctrine of Christ, with his sacred institutions, and
holy commandments; this trust you must keep sound and entire, suffering
no part of it to be lost, but as you have opportunity, declare all the
counsel of God, and O keep it pure, and distinct; let it not be adulterated
with any additions, mixtures or alterations of mens invention, and tho
from the particular {97} circumstantiate state of the church, as to the
time when, and the place where, you are called to this high station in
the house of God, you may lay your account with much opposition in your
work, from satan, wicked men, and even from the godly and professors of
the day; yet in all trials, look for furniture from the blessed Head, encourage
yourself in the Lord. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that
is in Christ Jesus, [2 Tim. 2.1.] Finally, attend carefully to these apostolick
directions, but thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after
righteousness, holiness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good
fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life whereunto thou art also called,
and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. [1 Tim. 6.11,12.]
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus. [2 Tim. 1.13.] Thou therefore endure
hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, verse 15, study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth, and Chapter 4, verse 2, Preach the word, be instant
in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering
and doctrine, verse 5. but watch thou in all things, endure afflictions,
do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry, and 1 Timothy
4.12 to the end: Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith,
in purity till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine:
neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,
with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. Meditate on these things,
give thyself wholly to them, {98} that thy profiting may appear to all.
Take heed unto thyself, and unto thy doctrine, continue in them, for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

CHARGE TO THE
PEOPLE.

Second, To the people, My Friends, after
a variety of trying providences, your eyes do this day see your teacher,
and I trust, that God, according to his promise, has given you a pastor
according to his heart, that shall feed you with knowledge and understanding;
well then,

First, Bless the Lord for his great kindness, in
setting up another lamp in his sanctuary, O bless him for a gospel-ministry,
it is one of the many gifts which our Lord Jesus Christ purchased to his
church; one that he poured down from on high, after his ascension to glory;
it is a sad evidence, that these have never got much good of the gospel,
who will not bless the Lord for sending them faithful ministers; but these
who do know the worth of souls, and have tasted the Jerusalems good, that
ye have been privileged with, at times, will be exercised in thanking the
Lord for this mercy, and it may be expected from you, who profess to have
longed so much for a faithful ministry; tho many are as the Heath in the
desert, which knows not when good comes.

Second, Look upon him whom God hath sent to you,
as his ambassador, and servant. It is an argument that the treaty of peace;
betwixt you and heaven, is not broken off, but that God hath designs of
mercy in store for you. Do not only give him a hearing, and admit him to
an opening up of his masters commission and will, but be ready to believe
and practice, the word of the Lord as faithfully declared to you, be not
as those who said, As for the word that thou hast spoken to us in the
name {99} of the Lord, we will not obey it. And the more faithful
your minister is, in point of sin and duty, let his message be the welcomer;
the more close, searching, and trying he is, in his work, love him the
more.

Third, Honour your minister, keep him in his own
room, and expect not that from the servant, which you can only receive
from the master himself; but reverence and esteem him for his works sake.
And we beseech you brethren, to know them which labour among you, and
are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly
in love for their works sake, and be at peace among yourselves. [1 Thess.
5.12,13.] The office of the ministry is honourable, therefore shew reverence
to them who are put into the ministry, beware of entertaining ill reports
and slander of ministers, alas! the success of the gospel is much hindered
by peoples entertaining these, and it is a considerable help to the kingdom
of satan; but if need be, rather acquaint him of your offences humbly and
meekly, and in private advise him if guilty; but do not despise him, says
Paul to Titus, let no man despise thee.

Fourth, Take compassion on your minister, beware
of grieving or making his heart sad. Ministers are not angels, but men
of like passions with yourselves, be fuller of charity, than of censure;
ministers have all that you have to do, about the saving of their own souls,
and a great work besides, about the saving of yours; they have all your
difficulties as Christians, and some that you are not acquainted with,
temptations and trials that are peculiar to their station; they are men
of sorrows, on many accounts, their own corruptions, the corruptions, strifes,
and contentions of their people make them often go with a bowed-down back,do
what ye can to raise them up. {100} Fifth, Pray much for your minister,
O petition the King of Kings, in favours of his ambassadors, for success
to their negotiations; these stand fairest for getting good of the gospel,
that join with the minister in private and secret; when united prayers
are sent up to the throne of grace, the devils kingdom will fall.How
often, and how earnestly doth Paul beg the prayers of the churches? and
if he did so, much more ought we to beg them, and you to grant them, for
our necessities and weakness are greater than his were. Finally, brethren,
pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified,
even as it is with you, and that we may be delivered, from unreasonable
and wicked men; for all men have not faith, [2 Thess. 3.1,2.], pray that
a door of utterance may be given, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
and a door of entrance, that Christ in the word may be received into the
heart. The work of the ministry is a work of the greatest weight, the greatest
labour, the greatest difficulty and opposition, and the shoulders of ministers
are not stronger than other mens to support the weight of this burthen,
therefore wonder not, when we cry out importunately for the help of your
prayers.

Sixth, Encourage and help your minister, give him
obedience and suitable entertainment, if he communicates to you in spirituals,
grudge not to supply him in temporals; but especially, if ye can do any
thing, help in the great work of winning souls: what can we do say you?
why, be but won to Christ, and we are made glad, make haste to heaven,
that your minister and you may meet joyfully before the throne of God and
the Lamb. O encourage him in this, or else ye do nothing: accept the gospel
offer at his hand: it is a great discouragement when ministers have to
make the complaint, {101} who hath believed our report, and to whom
is the arm of the Lord revealed. Beware of refusing the messages he
comes to you with, in his great Masters name. As on the one hand, ministers
are to keep back nothing of the counsel of God, so the people are to decline
no part of their counsel, whether exhortation, reproof, advice, or instruction.
It is not he, but God, that speaks to you by him, wait on the ordinances,
and receive believingly the whole of the Lords counsel. Blessed is
the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts
of my doors. I say, receive in faith, the whole of the Lords message,
as ye would not make your minister go with that complaint, we have piped
to you and ye have not danced, we have mourned to you and ye have not lamented;
beware of giving him any such ground of complaint, either in secret, or
openly at the last day; take heed how ye hear, if ministers are to take
heed how they preach, so are ye how ye hear, laying aside all prejudices,
receive the word in faith, and mix it with love, remembering that his word
shall not return empty, but of every sermon that ye hear ye must give an
account, one day; therefore, obey them that have the rule over you, and
submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give
account: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is
unprofitable for you. [Heb. 13.17.]Particularly, I charge you, as you
will answer it to God, that you strengthen your ministers hands and encourage
his heart, in the work of public testimony bearing for Christ,his despised
cause and interest, and hereby give evidence, that whatever were the means
the Lord in holy sovereignty over-ruled to bring a number of you forward,
to a more explicit and fuller owning of the reformation cause; yet that
now, you have honestly, {102} and with understanding, espoused the whole
of the covenanted testimony of Christ in the land; as your minister is
a worker with God, so you are bound by the oath of God, to work together
with him, in upbuilding, maintaining and preserving against all injuries
according to the extent of your power, the covenanted work of reformation,
presently in a ruinous condition, therefore, whatever discouragement in
respect of that he may have from without, let him have none from you; remember,
that he acting in his place according to his duty, the Lord Jesus will
account that done to himself, which is done to his minister. He that
receiveth you receiveth me. To conclude, let all of us remember the
duties belonging to each of us in our different stations, whether we are
office-bearers or members in Christs household, and the duty we owe to
God, his honour and glory in the world. May the Lord follow with his special
blessing, and the power of his Spirit, what hath been delivered, and done
in his name, since we met, and with the apostles prayer I leave you. And
now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which
is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them
which are sanctified. [Acts 20.32.] Amen.